If you want to improve your digital skills, there are a variety of online training sessions and support to help you.
Online learning and support
Libraries
Our North Somerset libraries offer free online training.
Phone support for online forms
His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service offers support to fill out online forms for HMCTS’s justice services.
It supports people who are not able to fill out online forms or may not have access to online services.
Referrals for digital support
Text FORM to 60777
Learn My Way
Learn My Way is packed with over 100 free topics on essential digital skills. It covers subjects from the basics of using a touch screen to using technology for social and financial tasks.
The platform is flexible to allow you to learn your own way. This could be by using a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile and having access to it daily, weekly, or during a 15-minute tea break.
You can pick and choose which topic you’d like to start based on your digital needs and learning goals. Topics include:
- setting a safe password and using authentication
- creating an email account
- video calling and social media platforms
- using a touchscreen, keyboard and mouse
- online safety and dealing with online scams
- using online government, healthcare and council services
ALCA North Somerset
A series of YouTube videos with subtitles are available to help you with various aspects of digital support.
Safety online
It is important that anyone who uses the internet has the tools to use it safely and smartly. There are websites that have tailored information for a range of ages.
St Monica Trust Digital Inclusion Fund
The St Monica Trust supports organisations in North Somerset to improve the digital skills of older people. The fund helps to equip them with the ability to participate in the online world, improving independence and communication.
North Somerset Training (NST) hub
North Somerset Training hub offers IT training at a range of levels including EDSQ qualification level one.
Further online support and training
- explore Barclays Digital Eagles range of online courses to grow your digital confidence
- learn how Good Things Foundation help people to gain the support and skills they need to become digitally able
- find out how to join the Digital Poverty Alliance Hub to help end digital poverty
- find out how to achieve digital inclusion in your organisation
- Independent Age website - how to get set up with smart technology if you are later in life
AbilityNet
AbilityNet's friendly tech volunteers provide free IT support to older people and disabled people of any age, anywhere in the UK.
Every volunteer is disclosure-checked and can help with all sorts of IT (information technology) challenges. This can include:
- setting up new equipment
- fixing technical issues
- showing you how to stay connected to family
- using online services and much more
They also have useful easy read information about IT and neurodiversity:
- blog: how to embrace autism, dyslexia, and neurodivergence
- resources: dyslexia and technology
- factsheet: autism and computers
- factsheet: computers and osteoarthritis
- factsheet: learning disabilities and computing
- factsheet: communication aids
- factsheet: keyboard and mouse alternatives
- factsheet: vision impairment and computing
- factsheet: what is a screen reader?
- factsheet: voice recognition
- factsheet: making your screen easier to see
- factsheet: how to look after yourself when you use computers
- factsheet: technology for people who are hearing impaired
- factsheet: how to make documents accessible
Get Set Up
Get Set Up provides live classes for older adults, by older adults.